Planning my first long trip

[SSLT1KID]

First let me introduce myself. I have had a couple R6s. I bought a first gen Yamaha FZ1 last summer. I did a few 400 and 500 mile days and immediately decided to purchase a Sargent seat. I am planning a trip from Florida to California. Unfortunately the only vacaction I was able to get is in February and March.  I bought a cold weather jacket and I have been very happy with it. I ordered cold weather pants. Just waiting on them to show up on my door step. I will most likely wear my Alpinestar SVX 5 boots. I have a tank bag, soft saddle bags, a duffle that fits on my passenger seat and a hard tail case. I have a tent, cold weather sleeping bag and an air mattress that all fit in the duffle and hard case. I have a compact air pump, a Droid X (phone, navigation, music, internet, etc), a helmet blue tooth and a cigarette lighter power source on my bike. Any advice? I have friends and family along the way so I wont tent camp all the time, but I would like to camp along the way.

[mugwump58]

Once on a long trip I experienced a 40^o temprature drop. I ended up doing my best Tour de France rider impression, stuffing my jacket ect... with newspaper. I almost always take my heated gloves and vest with me now on long trips. Hypothermia ain't no fun and no I'm not smart enough to stop, I never leave myself any leeway, time wise.

I didn't see what you are carrying for gloves.

Tire repair kit? Chain lube? Tools?

[UHOH]

sounds like a good time/trip.
  Be sure to have a waterproof cover for your duffel bag; even a couple garbage bags (overlapped from the ends) over the top works.
I don't like to camp if I'm by myself now because I like to talk and socialize at the end of a day alone.  -  But I sure used to camp by myself.

advice?
A) if March weather is favorable, or at least not bad, and you can save space in your camera's memory chip -
on way east return thru Zion Park, UT and then further east to Monument Valley.   Absolutely stunning scenery.
B)  get a small 4x6 photo album and fill it with 12 - 15 photo prints of your life and surroundings in Florida.  ... makes a great aid to meet people.
C) west of the Mississippi R, I assume peeps are friendly, so I'd be outgoing.   Possibly also true east of river, but I have limited experience there.

enjoy

[still kickin]

Just did the same trip but in early September. Some thoughts

1. Be SURE you buy Long Distance(LD) Riding shorts.
2. Avoid I-10 like the crabs(couldn't remember how to spell syphilis)
3. A Gerbing liner and gloves will be worth a look.
4. Watching your altitude BE SURE and see Colorado and Utah. Awesome.
5. Be sure you want to camp-that gear is heavy and takes a long time to set up when tired.
6. Watch the crosswinds in Texas and Colorado.
Have a ball and ride safe..

[kyzrex]

Heated gear can make all the difference
Don't keep all your money together
Carry a small bottle of water when crossing southwest states
Don't over plan

[Cheddarhead]

Post into the various regions you're planning to traverse...along with your date(s) and general route info.  You will be amazed at how many folk offer advise on campsites, restaurants, good (or great!) roads to ride, etc.

Soem may even offer up camping space in their yard / family room.  The opportunity to share experiences from the road (plus a hot shower and perhaps laundry services!) isn't to be missed.

Enjoy!  It's an awesome way to expand your circle of friends exponentially....

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Post into the various regions you're planning to traverse...along with your date(s) and general route info.  You will be amazed at how many folk offer advise on campsites, restaurants, good (or great!) roads to ride, etc.

Some may even offer up camping space in their yard / family room.  The opportunity to share experiences from the road (plus a hot shower and perhaps laundry services!) isn't to be missed.

Enjoy!  It's an awesome way to expand your circle of friends exponentially....

Plus, heated gear is a godsend. Go forth and buy a heated jacket   and if your grips aren't heated already do so, or get the heated gloves. It can make all the difference in a fun, long day or a miserable slog to get to your next destination  

[vulcanbill]

Make sure you DISTANCE TEST all your gear.  What works in the garage for 15 minutes might really suck after 5 hours.  Specifically, earplugs or whatever earbuds you'll be using.  There are a ton of threads on the subject to research.  When you get your new clothes, find a way to test them before you hit the road.  Never start a trip of that magnitude w/out doing the stuff that's free, easy and smart like gear testing.  I second heated gear and not planning too much.  

First and foremost, unclench and enjoy.

[Justin]

5. Be sure you want to camp-that gear is heavy and takes a long time to set up when tired.

No need for a tent if you're camping a lone, just a sleeping pad and sleeping bag does the trick. At least that's how I do it .. don't like playing around with a tent, just sleep under the stars, particularly out here in the west; you get great stargazing.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

No need for a tent if you're camping a lone, just a sleeping pad and sleeping bag does the trick. At least that's how I do it .. don't like playing around with a tent, just sleep under the stars, particularly out here in the west; you get great stargazing.

You DID read that he'll be "camping" in February/March, right? I'd recommend a tent; too much chance of rain and cold  

[ConPilot1]

Camelback hydration pack. A 70oz'er. Stay hydrated steadily through the day.

Mucho Importanto.

[SSLT1KID]

Thanks everyone for the replies.  My gloves are Alpinestars SP-2s.  I inadvertently purchased them a size too big, which will be beneficial because I can fit some liners in them.  My bike has heated grips already.  I have been daily riding my bike in 20-30 degree temps with no problem.  I did some time in the Marine Corps, so I am fairly tolerant to inclement weather.  My cold weather pants came in today and they are awesome.  I will be carrying two Camel Back hydration systems (2 tours in Iraq) because hydration is key.  I have water proof liners for all my bags.  I'm probably going to load up everything on the bike and start daily driving it fully loaded just to get used to it and see what works and what doesn't.  

[SSLT1KID]

Test run with all the bags

[vulcanbill]

Looks good and makes me wanna hit the road.  

Might wanna think about tightening up the saddlebags just a tad.  You can afford to have them a smidge higher than they currently are without losing space for the duffel.  The extra height will keep the potential differences in loading technique from putting your bag on your pipe.  Things change.  You buy a couple things on the road or just pack differently and the slightest difference in weight might have your bags shifting a little.  I did Givi soft bags for years and found them sitting on or near the pipe more than once.  Maybe some high temp tape on the bottom of the right bag?  You were a Marine...  figure it out.  

[Wockman]

Looks good and makes me wanna hit the road.  

I was thinking the same thing !

Have fun, dont push yourself hard just trying to keep to a schedule.  Stay in a hotel on the cold and wet nights.  Tool and tire kits were mentioned.  You might look into roadside assitance plans (I have the MOTOW from the AMA but have never had to use it). I put clear contact paper on my tail section so my bags wouldn't rub the paint.

[SSLT1KID]

I put clear contact paper on my tail section so my bags wouldn't rub the paint.

Thats a good idea.  I have been trying to do something similar with static cling tint, but it does not adhere to curved surfaces well. I was thinking about just using masking tape.

[notarian]

Enjoy. What you don't know now you'll learn and adjust on the road. Sounds good!

[Wockman]

Thats a good idea.  I have been trying to do something similar with static cling tint, but it does not adhere to curved surfaces well. I was thinking about just using masking tape.

Instead of masking tape try blue painters tape, I originally tried it but since my bike is black it looked like ass.  But it might match your bike better?  The contact paper/shelf liner worked pretty well on my last trip.  It is cheap, fairly tough and peels off easily, I just put a few small pieces along where the bags touch the paint.  

[Fun Dog]

Looks like you've thought of everything.  After 2 tours in Iraq I'll bet anything you encounter out on the open road will seem like small potatoes.  Even if you get cold you can take comfort in the fact that at least nobody is shooting at you.

I've never taken a trip that far.  Most I've done is a couple of states out of town, but I wish I were you right now.  I sure do.

[bomber]

much good advice here -- I'll simply add thank you for your service, and enjoy yourself now that you're home safe and sound.

[county]

rain suit

[Crackedpot]

I was thinking the same thing !

Have fun, dont push yourself hard just trying to keep to a schedule.  Stay in a hotel on the cold and wet nights.  Tool and tire kits were mentioned.  You might look into roadside assitance plans (I have the MOTOW from the AMA but have never had to use it). I put clear contact paper on my tail section so my bags wouldn't rub the paint.

MOTOW comes "free" with your AMA membership now... seems like there was a small catch, had to sign up for auto renewal or something. Anyway, I used it locally last fall when my winter beater car died (it covers the cars in your household, too), and it was as quick and painless as AAA. Not sure how it'd work in a remote area out west....

[BwanaDik]

What route are you planning to take?  The stretch thru southern NM and AZ (I-10) can easily dip below freezing during Feburary.  Anything north of there and you can get into altitude quickly meaning snow and ICE on the road.

I just came thru Las Cruces/Demming/Simon on I-10 in early December (BB1500) and it was between 19F and 25F during the night thru much of it.  Daytime should be OK (40F) but you might have to wait until mid morning before starting out, especially if you make the run thru Zion and Escalante as suggested (fabulous route!).  March would be much better.

[Canuck]

Keep an extra credit card and some cash in a ziplog bag under the seat in case you lose your wallet or something. Guess why I learned this one.

This may be stating the obvious, but give the bike a real good checkover before heading out and do things like change the oil if it's going to be needed soon. If tires, sprocket or chain are a bit suspect either put on new ones or plan ahead where you will do that by checking out dealerships on your route.

Ditto re the electric vest advice.

[SSLT1KID]

Just to make sure I am not misleading anyone, thought I would mention that I have been home from Iraq for 5 years now and out of the Marines for a while also. I dreamed about this trip in Iraq and now im finally going to be able to do it. The original plan was to take a small SUV and see the Capital.  Motorcycle trip is gonna be WAY cooler. Thanks to everyone for the friendly comments.

My FZ1 is my daily driver. I am going to start packing today. I plan on riding arounded fully loaded for a while so I can get used to the different handling/braking/etc characteristics of the bike and make any needed adjustments. I want to have everything I will need, but I don't want to over pack. My tank bag and saddle bags are expandable and nearly double in size. Im planning on leaving them collapsed if I can. I will be riding in my cold weather pants and jacket. (Both have removable liners) I figure a weeks  (maybe 10 days?) Worth of skivies (socks, chonis and t-shirt), a pair of jeans for when I make extended stops, casual shoes, a small bath towel (shower at night so its dry and ready to pack in the morning? ) basic toiletries + some asprin and a couple travel packets of laundry detergent.

Im not going to pack cooking stuff for this trip, although I would love to. I still need to figure out what tools to take. A small can of chain tube. An oil change, fresh tires and brakes right before I leave. Cash/credit card as mentioned, thanks.

Am I missing anything? Any comments/advise on how to pack? (What to put into tank bag (converts into backpack ) vs saddle bags? I am going to try to mount the saddle bags higher. I was going to weld up something to keep the bags away from the exhaust. Just haven't got around to it and don't really see it happening before the trip.

As far as heated clothing, I don't think im going to get them in time for this trip. I have riden in 20* weather with no problem though.

[stevewaugh76]

Just did the same trip but in early September. Some thoughts

1. Be SURE you buy Long Distance(LD) Riding shorts.
2. Avoid I-10 like the crabs(couldn't remember how to spell syphilis)
3. A Gerbing liner and gloves will be worth a look.
4. Watching your altitude BE SURE and see Colorado and Utah. Awesome.
5. Be sure you want to camp-that gear is heavy and takes a long time to set up when tired.
6. Watch the crosswinds in Texas and Colorado.
Have a ball and ride safe..

#2 is hliarious  
And true  

[SSLT1KID]

What route are you planning to take?  The stretch thru southern NM and AZ (I-10) can easily dip below freezing during Feburary.  Anything north of there and you can get into altitude quickly meaning snow and ICE on the road.

I just came thru Las Cruces/Demming/Simon on I-10 in early December (BB1500) and it was between 19F and 25F during the night thru much of it.  Daytime should be OK (40F) but you might have to wait until mid morning before starting out, especially if you make the run thru Zion and Escalante as suggested (fabulous route!).  March would be much better.

As for the route, I haven't figured that out yet. I suppose I should provide a little more info on that. I live in southern California. I have a friend who is a commercial driver. She is going to let me load my bike up on her rig and give me a quick/easy/free ride to Florida (where she lives). That's why the trip starts in Florida. I want to see the Capital and the Dragon. I have friends and family along the way on the trip back. Other than that I am open to suggestions. Obviously weather is going to be a big factor. I guess I should start posting in the regional forums. While I am a southern Califonian,  am not your stereotypical rude Califonian. If anyone wants to join in along the way let me know.

Oh... and I don't particularly  plan on riding at night.

[Justin]

You DID read that he'll be "camping" in February/March, right? I'd recommend a tent; too much chance of rain and cold  

Still don't use a tent - a tent really only adds maybe 5 degrees of warmth on a good day. If it's cold then a bivy sack is what I prefer; much warmer as it keeps the heat close to you.

http://www.amazon.com/MSR-Bivy-Person-Bivy-Sack/dp/B002IAMD7I

No need to fuss around with a tent, just leave your bag and sleeping pad inside, and just roll it out when you are ready to sleep.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Still don't use a tent - a tent really only adds maybe 5 degrees of warmth on a good day. If it's cold then a bivy sack is what I prefer; much warmer as it keeps the heat close to you.

http://www.amazon.com/MSR-Bivy-Person-Bivy-Sack/dp/B002IAMD7I

No need to fuss around with a tent, just leave your bag and sleeping pad inside, and just roll it out when you are ready to sleep.

 I still disagree. There's always a chance of rain and if nothing else, dew. Any kind of moisture with low temperatures is a bad combination.  The bivy sack is a good option, however.

[Mr.Black]

 I still disagree. There's always a chance of rain and if nothing else, dew. Any kind of moisture with low temperatures is a bad combination.  The bivy sack is a good option, however.

Agreed.

Tent = Dry and able to better maintain body heat.

No tent = Possible hypothermia.

[ConPilot1]

a tent really only adds maybe 5 degrees of warmth

Depends on the tent. I have an REI expedition grade tent that's 15-20 warmer inside than the outside ambient temperature.
You pay for that in pack weight however.

[SSLT1KID]

 I still disagree. There's always a chance of rain and if nothing else, dew. Any kind of moisture with low temperatures is a bad combination.  The bivy sack is a good option, however.

The tent will be coming along for the trip. Its relatively light weight and compact. One of the first things I learned in the Marine Corps is that being cold sucks, but being cold and wet is absolutely miserable and possibly dangerous. Just like the air matress... I realize I can can sleep without it. But I've slept on the hard ground enough to know I don't want to. And in my case it didn't take too many times to figure that one out.

[falconati]

I think you're covered  

Plan your route and enjoy the trip!  I just wanted to echo one comment from earlier: on miserable nights, stay at a motel.  It's well worth the money to keep you happy.  

[Andrew]

Get yourself a few prepaid gas cards from several different companies (shell, chevron ect...) They may come in handy.

Do not overpack, do what you can to keep the weight down. Always keep the heavy stuff down low.

A small MSR bottle of fuel can be the difference of riding to the next station and walking.

When on the road by yourself, make sure to call someone every day with where you are and where you are headed. This may save your life. Or get a SPOT. I know I call my wife at least 4 times a day (more like she calls me) when on the road. It gives her of peace of mind.

As to the tool kit,  Pack what and only what you need, tools weigh a lot, If it is more than a simple fix chances are you will need a shop.  Have the maintenance manuals loaded on your Cell phone (smart phone, or small netbook)

Have a "cramp-buster" or throttle lock?  if not GET ONE

Got tunes? consider audio books. You can listen to music for a while but a good book can keep your mind occupied much longer. This will help combat fatigue of the long stretches

Most of all IF YOU ARE TIRED PULL OVER AND REST!!!!

HAve fun and take lots of pictures. I have come home from weeks on the road and found I only took 10 pictures don't make that mistake.

[UHOH]

A) Get yourself a few prepaid gas cards from several different companies (shell, chevron ect...) They may come in handy.
B) Have a "cramp-buster" or throttle lock?  if not GET ONE

Very good advice here.  

A), call your credit card and tell them you're taking a trip to XYZ; helps them allow the charges out of your normal area.

B)  Costs $13, I use the wide version.  installs / removes in 5 seconds.   'don't leave home without it.'

[SSLT1KID]

Get yourself a few prepaid gas cards from several different companies (shell, chevron ect...) They may come in handy.

Do not overpack.

A small MSR bottle of fuel can be the difference of riding to the next station and walking.

Have a "cramp-buster" or throttle lock?  if not GET ONE

Got tunes?

HAve fun and take lots of pictures.

Gas card- will do

Over pack- How many days worth of clothes do you guys pack? 7 good or too much?

MSR?  - unfamiliar, I'll try to search. EDIT- ok, figured it out

Cramp Buster- Got it and love it. 

Tunes- Droid

Pics- Roger that!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Over pack- How many days worth of clothes do you guys pack? 7 good or too much?

This is totally up to the individual, but I always end up overpacking clothes. Usually what gets me by is my standard "under gear clothes" (Underarmor, leggins, wicking shirts, etc) and then "evening wear" clothes - something to wear to the restaurant once I've stopped for the night.  Socks and undies per your own comfort level, of course  

[vulcanbill]

This is totally up to the individual, but I always end up overpacking clothes. Usually what gets me by is my standard "under gear clothes" (Underarmor, leggins, wicking shirts, etc) and then "evening wear" clothes - something to wear to the restaurant once I've stopped for the night.  Socks and undies per your own comfort level, of course  

Oh yeah, I was gonna mention that earlier...  I live in these shirts and we refer to them simply as slippery shirts.  Comfy, moisture wicking blah blah blah.  I even wear the long sleeve in the summer because of how it lets the stich move around on me w/out bunching anything up.  

Get this or something like this if you don't already have it.  http://www.rei.com/product/778291  I can't think of any other piece of gear that has had a bigger effect on my overall comfort on the bike.  

[Justin]

 I still disagree. There's always a chance of rain and if nothing else, dew. Any kind of moisture with low temperatures is a bad combination.  The bivy sack is a good option, however.

Exactly - that's what the bivy sack is for .. one man tent basically. I know it's not for everyone, I just like to sleep under the stars. And I often will stop when I'm tired, throw out my bed-roll and crash. I hate to fuss with setting up a tent when I ready to crash, and wake myself up again lol

[still kickin]

I recently found a product that might work for your trip. Purex makes a item called 3-in-1 laundry sheets. It has detergent + softner + anti-static all in a sheet. Lightweight and takes no room at all. Perfect for trips to the laundry room. Found mine at Wal-mart.

[Mr.Black]

I am planning my first long trip as well. This has been helpful. As Bomber already said, Thank you all for some good info.

[Frankienuckles]

Where you goin' "Mr. Black"?

[Mr.Black]

Where you goin' "Mr. Black"?

Gonna get me some BBQed cat. Care to tag along?

[Frankienuckles]

Not in cards for me...Have fun!!

[Cricket1]

I am planning my first long trip as well. This has been helpful. As Bomber already said, Thank you all for some good info.

Mr. Black- let me see if I've got it straight. You've been on STN since 2009, have a Suzuki Bandit, over 10,000 posts, and have not been on a long bike trip?  

Or maybe you're just foolin' with us? 

[Mr.Black]

Hundreds of miles many times. Thousands? Not so much.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Hundreds of miles many times. Thousands? Not so much.

"Hundreds of miles" is a weekend jaunt!  

[Sputnik]

"Hundreds of miles" is a weekend jaunt!  

Or something you do before lunch, and again after lunch, day after day!

[Mr.Black]

I bow to your collective greatness.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I bow to your collective greatness.

It goes like this:    

[vulcanbill]

I'm pretty sure there is an inversely proportional relationship between post count and riding experience with a few exceptions.

[Mr.Black]

OK, I'm home now and can respond to your ridicule. No I have not done any very long trips. Actually I have always been a little nervous about setting off on a major journey on my own. When I returned to motorcycles from my child raising hiatus, a trip like the one coming up was something I wanted to try, thus my hooking up with you asshats. I am very excited to literally travel something like 1500 miles one way just for a cookout. Through hanging here I have learned of places that I want to visit.

My travels will take me up through Ontario and down through the Upper Peninsula of MI.

Now about my post count versus mileage, well,

 

Carry on.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 When I returned to motorcycles from my child raising hiatus, a trip like the one coming up was something I wanted to try, thus my hooking up with you asshats.

 

I am very excited to literally travel something like 1500 miles one way just for a cookout. Through hanging here I have learned of places that I want to visit.

My travels will take me up through Ontario and down through the Upper Peninsula of MI.

 

Let me know if you want any pointers  

[Sputnik]

Pointer:  Before you get used to hundreds of miles a day and the real sport touring callouses set in, you may wish for something like this:

Have fun on your first long trip.....

[Cheddarhead]

... I am very excited to literally travel something like 1500 miles one way just for a cookout. Through hanging here I have learned of places that I want to visit.

My travels will take me up through Ontario and down through the Upper Peninsula of MI.

If you're open on timing...I'd recommend joining the "Around the Lakes" tour.  They begin in western Michigan...and travel north along the lake and around Lake Superior, as well.  You could either return through Wisconsin (either along the eastern side...along Lake Michigan...or follow the Mississippi River and check the "Great river Road" from your Bucket List, as well.  You could easily travel through Ontario and meet up with the group in N. Michigan at the end of the 1st days' ride.

Several ST-N'ers have done this once  or more frequently...and you'll have the advantage of planning "your" ride while having some level of support / companionship along the way.  It's run over the Memorial Day weekend...and sounds to be a bunch of fun.

Cheddar

(will make it to ATL "someday..."...)

[vulcanbill]

If you're open on timing...I'd recommend joining the "Around the Lakes" tour.  They begin in western Michigan...and travel north along the lake and around Lake Superior, as well.  You could either return through Wisconsin (either along the eastern side...along Lake Michigan...or follow the Mississippi River and check the "Great river Road" from your Bucket List, as well.  You could easily travel through Ontario and meet up with the group in N. Michigan at the end of the 1st days' ride.

Several ST-N'ers have done this once  or more frequently...and you'll have the advantage of planning "your" ride while having some level of support / companionship along the way.  It's run over the Memorial Day weekend...and sounds to be a bunch of fun.

Cheddar

(will make it to ATL "someday..."...)

Wow.  Is that the same ATL tour that Tad and Jeff started forever ago?  

[ConPilot1]

OK, I'm home now and can respond to your ridicule. No I have not done any very long trips. Actually I have always been a little nervous about setting off on a major journey on my own.

I can sympathize with that. I did my first 2500 miler in the summer of 09. On departure day during the first hundred miles or so I had butterflies in my stomach the
size of fruit bats. I couldn't sleep the night before to make matters worse, but was basically wired from the excitement of it all, turned out all good.

[Mr.Black]

Pointer:  Before you get used to hundreds of miles a day and the real sport touring callouses set in, you may wish for something like this:

Have fun on your first long trip.....

I will opt for LD Underwear.

I have done long miles in one shot. I'm no stranger to long rides. Just not out of New England.

[ConPilot1]

Secret Info:

The cheap generic version of Gold Bond you can get at the dollar store or a CVS is the same stuff as Anti-Monkey Butt.

Any "medicated body powder". Pretty much the same stuff and mucho cheeper.  

[Mr.Black]

Tentative route.

This is the highways that outline the skeleton of the ride. Not an actual route. The GPS will have the way points programed in and be used to find my way at the end of the day.

[Mr.Black]

My apologies to SSLT1KID for the thread jack.

[bomber]

if you have the chance to do so, it's educational to gather everything you plan on bringing with, and packing it up as if you were leaving that day.

Go for a 50 mile ride.

Realize your scoot handles like a pregnant water buffalo.

Rethink what you bring with.

Repeat.

;-}

[Mrs. DantesDame]

My apologies to SSLT1KID for the thread jack.

Haha - I was just thinking the same thing!  

[ConPilot1]

Haha - I was just thinking the same thing!  

The Great Eye of Sauron is on the thread.  

Are you having another BBQ/wrench this spring or what?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

The Great Eye of Sauron is on the thread.  

Hehe

Are you having another BBQ/wrench this spring or what?

Yeah, March  

[Xanth]

I'm a bit late to this thread, but I figured I'd throw my thoughts in. I went on my first multiple day trip last year. I know some have already mentioned a couple of these. Take it as you will. It's just some stuff that works for me.

Ibuprofen is my friend.
 
Rain Gear is for more then just rain. When the temperature drops I can put my rain gear on to act as a wind barrier. This saves my riding gear from having to pull double duty as wind barrier and insulator. I don't have heated gear, and this offers me a few more degrees of comfort.
 
You don't have to pack a lot. I'll be packing mostly under garments this year. It's OK to wear outer garments a couple of times. It's easy enough to hit a laundry mat and/or hotel laundry a couple of times during the trip. It saves you space and weight.
 
Watch the toiletries. This stuff can really start to increase the weight you are carrying. If you can't find travel sizes for your stuff, go to a hobby store and buy small bottles to fill up for your own travel sizes.
 
I have a set of Nelson Rigg saddle bags. Before I pack, I put a trash bag in each saddle bag and pack inside of that. Once finished I close off the trash bag and zip up the saddles. No matter how wet my bags may get, my stuff stays dry. I have a third tail bag that I keep rain gear, insulating liners and such for quick and easier access. I bag inside of this just like I do with the saddle bags. The tail bag is a lot easier to get stuff in and out of even with the trash bag liner inside. I still use the rain covers that come with my bags. Covers can leak around the edges or get lost going down the road.
 
Strap your gear down tight. It will loosen up.
 
I'm not a camper. I enjoy camping, but I don't have any desire when on any kind of trip. At the end of the day I like to have a hot shower and warm/cool room with a bed. This gives an added benefit of the "continental breakfast" that a lot of places offer. I'll choke something down at that before leaving so that I don't have to worry about find breakfast once on the road.
 
A comfortable helmet may not be after days on the road. My helmet was always comfortable enough when I was going out for day rides, etc.. However, once I had to wear it day after day I really started to find the faults in comfort. A third of the way into my trip  I was ready to find a new helmet. I went ahead and finished the trip with it. I had gotten accustomed to it by the end, but I believe a helmet should conform to you and not you to it. I started searching helmets the day after I got home.
 
The mile eaters around here are going to scoff at this, but one of the biggest unknowns for me was how much ground I could cover on the trip. I knew how many miles I could do on a day ride, but day after day riding isn't the same for me. I had planned my trip to cover 225 miles a day. It's not a lot of miles and much less then I can do during a day ride. I wanted to make sure I had time to "stop and smell the roses" while still being able to stay on track. I learned that 300 miles would become my average during the trip. My longest day was 400 miles while my shortest was 225 miles. Don't over schedule yourself. You should never feel rushed to get somewhere.
 
Don't get yourself stuck to a route. I had to reroute twice during my trip to avoid the worst of some severe weather. It rained on me two out of every three days I was gone. I missed a few of the things/places I wanted to go, but I felt safer trying to avoid the worst of the storms. The storms I was avoiding were the ones that flooded Nashville last year.
 
Stay within your comfort zone. I've always been a cautious rider or slow by the standards around here. A thousand miles from home isn't the time for me to start pushing things.
 

[Cricket1]

Xanth has some great pointers, I would also add:

-Ibuprofen works good, Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) works better for me, mostly because it lasts MUCH longer. On long rides, I'll take two mid morning, then one mid afternoon. It's amazing how much better I feel the last 100 miles or so and the knees and right shoulder don't cramp up like they do w/o it.

- Make sure you have good fitting earplugs you can tolerate all day. Some work great for awhile, then start driving you nuts later in the day.

- Rain gear as a wind block is ok, and since Xanth is from MS, probably ok considering it never really gets cold there, at least compared to New England. Heated gear is your friend. Spring and fall in the morning and evening, makes a HUGE difference. Get it, you'll never go back.

+1 on a good fitting helmet, especially for long multi day trips.

Mostly, have a great time, and take lots of pics!

[vulcanbill]

Well said, Xanth!  

...especially about the mileage.  Many, many factors go into what kind of mileage you can cover on a given day on a given trip.  You need to decide for yourself what's important.  We tend to do higher mileage days because we ride for the ride and less for the scenery and also we're trying to get someplace.  The someplace isn't as important for us as the getting there as our route is generally the point of the trip and not so much the destination.  But if you're a flower sniffer, picture taker, social chatter etc., you can count on much shorter days but possibly much more fulfilling days depending on your priorities.  Fleetwood Mac:  Go your own way.

[still kickin]

Kid-- you need to buy a good used electric liner If you need help finding one let me know.

Xanth-- very good post..

[Xanth]

Xanth has some great pointers, I would also add:

-Ibuprofen works good, Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) works better for me, mostly because it lasts MUCH longer. On long rides, I'll take two mid morning, then one mid afternoon. It's amazing how much better I feel the last 100 miles or so and the knees and right shoulder don't cramp up like they do w/o it.

- Make sure you have good fitting earplugs you can tolerate all day. Some work great for awhile, then start driving you nuts later in the day.

- Rain gear as a wind block is ok, and since Xanth is from MS, probably ok considering it never really gets cold there, at least compared to New England. Heated gear is your friend. Spring and fall in the morning and evening, makes a HUGE difference. Get it, you'll never go back.

+1 on a good fitting helmet, especially for long multi day trips.

Mostly, have a great time, and take lots of pics!

I forgot about the ear plugs. Basic foam ones work fine for me. I keep a number of them in my tank bag.

Cold will also be dependent on individual tolerances and bike wind protection. For a frame of reference on my tolerances, I have a Tourmaster Pivot 3 Jacket. http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Pivot-3-Jacket-p-311_3.html I'm good in this and a knit long sleeve over a t-shirt down to around 30 before I need the extra wind blocking layer. My goal is to have heated gear. I have just been more concerned with saving for my next trip. Which I won't be doing during the winter.  

[Xanth]

Well said, Xanth!  

...especially about the mileage.  Many, many factors go into what kind of mileage you can cover on a given day on a given trip.  You need to decide for yourself what's important.  We tend to do higher mileage days because we ride for the ride and less for the scenery and also we're trying to get someplace.  The someplace isn't as important for us as the getting there as our route is generally the point of the trip and not so much the destination.  But if you're a flower sniffer, picture taker, social chatter etc., you can count on much shorter days but possibly much more fulfilling days depending on your priorities.  Fleetwood Mac:  Go your own way.

Yup, I enjoy riding for the ride and sniffing the flowers. I try to do a little of both, but within what I find comfortable and enjoyable.

[Sputnik]

Lots of good advice above.
+1 on the Ibuprofen. Take it every morning before you head out.

It takes a little experience to get used to packing small (very small) and learning what sorts of things you can do without on the road. Learning to do without is good. And lugging big heavy/bulky bags in and out of hotel/motel  rooms is a PITA.

Over the years I have come to realize that I packed way too much and I can now get away with very little in terms of clothing. And who really cares if you don't have clean clothing every single day?

Here's an important tip:
1) Put on all of your biking gear as if it were really cold and raining out. (E.g. riding pants, jacket, jacket and pants liner, electric vest, rain gear etc.)
2) Now assume that the next day is really hot and dry. Remove all those items you will not want to wear in the blistering heat (e.g. liners, raingear, electric vest, winter gloves, etc.).
3) Pack these items into your empty luggage.
4) Look at the residual space and divide by 2.
5) This should determine what's left for clothing, toiletries, gadgets.etc.
6) The other half of the residual space is for miscellaneous junk you will accumulate along the way (souvenirs, packing a lunch, the odd leftover beer from the night before (as if!).

It usually doesn't take long to figure out that regular clothing doesn't pack well into this residual space. Jeans, or hoodies and sweatshirts, for example, are really bulky.

Find yourself a pair of those nice, very thin, quick-dry textile pants with zip-off legs. They pack very small, and can double as a pair of shorts and/or bathing suit if need be.

Many motels will have a laundromat, or you can wash clothes in the bathtub or sink every 3 or 4 days.  And drink beers while you watch them dry. So only a few pairs of underwear and a couple of shirts and socks are required.

Ask yourself if you really need an extra sweater or hoodie. You could always wear your electric vest, jacket liner,  and/or  rain jacket if you are feeling chilled off the bike.

Do you really need a bulky pair of running shoes or walking shoes? Or will a pair of flip-flops / shower shoes suffice?

You can also learn to minimize toiletries. Mine is now about 1/4 the size of a normal toiletry bag and is rather minimalist. Cut your toothbrush handle to shorten it to fit into a small pouch. Take shaving cream in a tube instead of a can of foam (or just use soap or shampoo to shave). Use the small travel shampoos. Do you really need all the extras like hair gel, aftershave etc.?   If so, put some from the original container into a very small bottle. You get the idea.

I have now scaled down my off-bike clothing to something like this. And it works for multi-week trips:

Bathing suit (could double as shorts if need be)
boxer shorts x2
LS rugby shirt x1
relaxed shorts x1
Sandals / flip flops
SS rugby shirt x1
SS T shirt x1
very small toiletry bag
zip-off pant-shorts combo x1

[Xanth]

It takes a little experience to get used to packing small (very small) and learning what sorts of things you can do without on the road. Learning to do without is good. And lugging big heavy/bulky bags in and out of hotel/motel  rooms is a PITA.

This is what I'm still learning. The one thing I dreaded every evening was lugging that crap up to my room.

Quick thread jacking:
Sputnik, what jacket are you wearing in your avatar?

[Sputnik]

This is what I'm still learning. The one thing I dreaded every evening was lugging that crap up to my room.

Quick thread jacking:
Sputnik, what jacket are you wearing in your avatar?

Olympia Airglide jacket and pants.
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/airglide/airglide.htm

[Cheddarhead]

< Begin 2nd (or 3rd) Thread Hijack >

Wow.  Is that the same ATL tour that Tad and Jeff started forever ago?  

That's it...I know that Ed (MxVet) has done this several times...and I'm sure that there are others on ST-N who have done it, as well.

Me?  I'm 0 - for - 2 in planned (vs) actually partaking.  But I WILL get it done...someday!


< End Thread Hijack >

[lionlady]

Okay. The OP said he was taking a sleeping bag and air mattress. For cold weather camping. Nobody caught that.

Hopefully he's taking a Thermarest or other self inflating mattress, not the air compressor kind. That big air space will suck away body heat like nobody's business, and lead to a miserable night at the least, or hypothermia at the worst.

P

[Justin]

-Ibuprofen works good, Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) works better for me, mostly because it lasts MUCH longer. On long rides, I'll take two mid morning, then one mid afternoon. It's amazing how much better I feel the last 100 miles or so and the knees and right shoulder don't cramp up like they do w/o it.

You get the shoulder thing to huh? That's what kills me the most on long rides - without pain killers I'd be toast. I'm going to try naproxen sodium next time instead of ibuprofen, and see if it's any better.

[Cricket1]

You get the shoulder thing to huh? That's what kills me the most on long rides - without pain killers I'd be toast. I'm going to try naproxen sodium next time instead of ibuprofen, and see if it's any better.

Yeah, no matter what I do, it's always there at the end of a long days ride. Only the right shoulder, I suspect it's partially from being tense at times, and the constant minute throttle changes.

The naproxen doesn't work any better than Ibuprofen, just lasts longer. Before you take any on a ride, try it at home first. I've never had any trouble, but the first time my wife took it was her last, VERY painful to her stomach. Maybe she needed to have eaten more, but I've taken it plenty of times on an empty stomach and not had a problem. YMMV.

[STeve3b3]

After reading all of the replies, I'd second the suggestions of others to buy a heated jacket and gloves.
Yeah, you can do the ride with a winter jacket and gloves, but it'll be a more comfortable ride with heat.

Steve

[HipGnosis]

Take shaving cream in a tube instead of a can of foam (or just use soap or shampoo to shave).  

Buy a $1 bottle of conditioner. Put some of it in a small bottle (like a hotel shampoo bottle).  Mark the bottle.  Use it for shaving cream.   It's what I use at home too.
Or you can buy travel size shaving cream.
I have a 'trial' size tube of toothpaste.  I refill it with my standard toothpaste by carefully pressing the 2 tubes together - done over the sink, as some does ooze out.

[napper]

Buy a $1 bottle of conditioner. Put some of it in a small bottle (like a hotel shampoo bottle).  Mark the bottle.  Use it for shaving cream.   It's what I use at home too.
Or you can buy travel size shaving cream.
I have a 'trial' size tube of toothpaste.  I refill it with my standard toothpaste by carefully pressing the 2 tubes together - done over the sink, as some does ooze out.

This may qualify you as the cheapest bastage, ever!!

[ConPilot1]

This may qualify you as the cheapest bastage, ever!!

Gotta be a Concours guy.  

EDIT: oops Beemer guy. Go figure. That makes sense though. Gotta refill those trial size toothpaste tubes to afford the maintenance costs + the Kermit chairs.

[Justin]

Buy a $1 bottle of conditioner. Put some of it in a small bottle (like a hotel shampoo bottle).  Mark the bottle.  Use it for shaving cream.   It's what I use at home too.
Or you can buy travel size shaving cream.
I have a 'trial' size tube of toothpaste.  I refill it with my standard toothpaste by carefully pressing the 2 tubes together - done over the sink, as some does ooze out.

I just go to Target - they have a while aisle next to the Pharmacy with $1 travel size stuff like that

[HipGnosis]

This may qualify you as the cheapest bastage, ever!!

Call it what you will.  I call it 'priorities'.

[Fun Dog]

Hundreds of miles many times. Thousands? Not so much.

Same here.  I've been on 3 trips over 1000 miles.  That's it.  I'm looking to take longer trips in the future.

[SSLT1KID]

All packed, loaded onto the trailer and heading east. I will be on the east coast this weekend.

[BwanaDik]

All packed, loaded onto the trailer and heading east. I will be on the east coast this weekend.

Good luck, we all expect a ride report (with multitudes of pictures) when you get back.  Payback for all the good advice given here  

[SSLT1KID]

I have already taken a bazillion (yes that's a real number, just ask Obama) pics and im barely in El Paso, TX. Im also keeping a journal. Ill put it all together and submit a report when im done.

[Mr.Black]

I have already taken a bazillion (yes that's a real number, just ask Obama) pics and im barely in El Paso, TX. Im also keeping a journal. Ill put it all together and submit a report when im done.

I think that's a bRazillion.

[Xanth]

Enjoy the trip.  

[SSLT1KID]

Leaving Panama City, FL shorty. Heading north to Columbus, GA.

[Mr.Black]

Leaving Panama City, FL shorty. Heading north to Columbus, GA.

Honk near 95/17 in SC. on your way by.

[UHOH]

have a safe trip

but have fun, too.

I have already taken a bazillion (yes that's a real number, just ask Obama) pics and im barely in El Paso, TX.
 Im also keeping a journal. Ill put it all together and submit a report when im done.

look forward to report

[SSLT1KID]

Just wanted to thank everyone again for all the great advice. I packed 4 days worth of clothes plus 2 extra pairs of socks. I found the laundry detergent sheets and they are PERFECT.  I joined the MTN. I used it once and im gonna use it again next week. Im in Jacksonville, NC right now visiting a friend. He has a CBR600RR but its raining out. Next week ill be up in DC. 2WheelPioneer and I will be meeting up the second week of March. We haven't determined a route yet but the route that lolife posted looks good to me. Again if anyone wants to do some riding the second week of march let me know.  Oh, and btw I did use my big toothpaste to refill a smaller one lol.

[Xanth]

When you get back you'll have to let us know what things you found work for you and what things don't.

[still kickin]

Hey Kid--

              Have a safe ride and good luck with creating some memories that will last. I wish I knew you were starting in Panama City. I live 20 minutes from there! If you need any help you can reach me at foleyab@gmail.com. Later

[SSLT1KID]

Hello everyone. So sorry I haven't gotten back on here. As we all know lifevgets crazy. In fact, the trip came very close to not happening. But it did happen. And I am so happy it did. I saw some amazing sighted, met some really cool people, ate some great food and spent some great quality time with my bikevand the open road. I will try to upload some pics and fill in some details.

[SSLT1KID]

I keep trying to upload pix but my pix are too big. I will see if I can make the pix smaller on my phone.  

[mugwump58]

 

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I keep trying to upload pix but my pix are too big. I will see if I can make the pix smaller on my phone.  

Try uploading them to a free image hosting site like Flickr or Photobucket and then linking them back to this site from there. Problem solved  

Glad you had a great trip and we're looking forward to hearing about it/seeing it!

[knuckledonkey]

Camelback hydration pack. A 70oz'er. Stay hydrated steadily through the day.

One of the best pieces of equipment I've ever purchased. I got the M.U.L.E. with 100oz.